February 25th
Spotwalla link for today’s ride: HERE
Slept well last night, MaryJo said that both she and Blue also slept the night. MaryJo didn’t want to go to class this morning. I asked why, but she didn’t really have a reason. When I got out of the shower, she was dressing up, she decided to go to class. She left a few minutes before 9am.
I was slow getting started. When I finally got the bags on the bike, I needed to move things around. Then I needed to make one last potty break before heading out. Then I saw a text from Steve asking if I had sent out the message he had asked me to send. I realized that I had included that in the newsletter which I had planned to send first thing this morning. But I had forgotten the send the newsletter out! Get the laptop off the bike, log in, send the message, then wait until I see that it went out.
A stop at the bank to get some cash, then the gas station to fill the tank. FINALLY, ready to roll. 9:45am. I had planned to leave a few minutes after she left, but I am 45 minutes late.
I had a bit of anxiety last night, a little this morning as I was doing the final load. Once I got on the Trace, the anxiety eased up. After a couple of hours on the road, I the anxiety was gone. I was enjoying the ride and was very comfortable.
Very little traffic on the Trace. I made an exit to gas up, but the Trace was almost the entire route. The few miles to get to the Trace and the few miles at the end of the Trace to the hotel was the only time that I wasn’t on the Trace.
I saw a few groups of deer along the way, and a lone doe at one point. The ride was SO relaxing. I needed it. I don’t want to take today as the indicator. But if it is an indicator, I am ready to ride.
This is the first overnight ride of the year. I settled into the hotel and walked to get supper. Luckily, I have been to Natchez before so I knew where I wanted to have supper. I might need to find another place on my next trip here. As I walked back to the hotel, I wondered about staying an extra night so I can spend a day just exploring Natchez. However, I have people waiting on me in Lafayette so we can ride the Creole Trail on Thursday.
I have the ride for tomorrow and Thursday planned. I am not sure if I want to hit the interstate and head home on Friday or if I want to take back roads and use two days to get back home. MaryJo has said that she is fine whichever I chose.
Tomorrow will be US84 until I get to Monticello, MS; the rest of the day will be on back roads, some twisty. Almost all on roads I have never traveled.
I thought today about the Hoka Hey. I have been thinking about pulling my name out and getting my money back, or I could just make a donation or have it hold my place to the ride in 2028. As I was getting close to the hotel, I decided that if I am selected for the Hoka Hey, I will accept. My goal is to complete the ride, I do not need to be in the first group to cross the line. I will ride during the day. If I am comfortable, I will ride into the evening. When I get tired, I will pull over and take a break. If I want to just rest all night or until I can see light in the morning, I will do that. I am not going to push myself to far beyond my comfort zone.
I need to do my Bible reading, prayer time, and other reading. The route for tomorrow is mostly planned; I will just follow where the GPS send me. I only have a few places I want to go, but I have no preconceived ideas about the ride.
February 26th
Spotwalla link for today’s ride: HERE
I did wake up a few times during the night, but still got a good sleep. I got up about 7am then went to get some breakfast and coffee. I came back to the room and did my Bible reading. I was not in a hurry to get moving since I had set the estimated time to leave at 10am. This was because I thought that I would be at The Stone House and would have breakfast with Mr. Stone, and he loves to talk!
I casually got packed and was ready to leave. The GPS thought that I was leaving from The Stone House, so I had to refresh the route on the fly.
The GPS wanted to avoid Monticello and go directly to the southern end of the Lizard Run. Since I knew that I had to start at MS-587 in Monticello, I headed there and let the GPS go crazy because I was ignoring it.
Once on MS-587, the GPS kept trying to get me to go over to Rt-13 which was to the east. The entire stretch of the Lizard Run I had to ignore the GPS.
My impression of the Lizard Run… Most of the northern section was on a rough road. There was a lot of gravel and some spots with sand in the curves. The. speed limit was 55, but I never got up to 55. Near the mid-point, things started to get better, but the road was still rough in spots. At the mid-point, I crossed into Marion County and the road was great. The curves were not as sharp, but the road did have a lot of undulating back and forth. It was fun. I was able to get over 55 in many areas once I got into Marion County.
Would I ride it again? Probably.
YouTube link to video: HERE
I turned onto US-98 and was now headed toward the Lynyrd Skynyrd Monument. The GPS wanted me to make a trip on some back roads that would take me out of the way. I stayed on US-98 until I got to US-51 where I turned south. I turn onto MS-568 and I was on my way to the Lynyrd Skynyrd Monument.
At the monument, I got my picture and was getting ready to leave when another guy pulls up in his truck with a Dyna Wide-Glide on the back. That had been my dream bike. We talked; he was unsure how to get to New Orleans to pick up a friend at the airport. I gave him simple directions. We talked for a while then we both needed to leave.
I heading on back roads through south Mississippi and the boot leg of Louisiana. I was on the phone with MaryJo and missed a turn. The GPS led me on a side road to loop back. This little side track was about 5 miles, but took about 30 minutes. If I had just stayed on the road and not taken the trek to try to turn around, I would have gotten to US-61 which was the road I was trying to find. I learned of this after I got to the hotel.
I eventually turned back on LA-10 and made my pay to New Roads, LA. I turned on LA-1 then turned west on US-190. The plan was to stay off the interstate. As I got to I-49, I realized that the route I had planned was going to parallel I-49, but would be take about 30 minutes longer to go the 10 miles to the hotel. I hopped on the interstate and got to the hotel after gassing up the bike.
Checked in, unloaded the bike, and have even rinsed out my riding pants and socks. I will let then dry tonight and tomorrow since I have another set that I can wear tomorrow.
I enjoyed the supper and the drink reception, a nice benefit of staying at Drury Inns. Lonnie knows that I am here and will meet me for breakfast at 7am tomorrow at Cracker Barrel, which is next door.
I am trying to decide what I want to do to get home. Still unsure, may have to cancel supper with Lonnie and his wife tomorrow so I can plan my ride home. We will see.
February 27th
Spotwalla link for today’s ride is: HERE
As I am writing this, I am tired! It has been a long, busy, and fun filled day!
Lonnie met me for breakfast at the Cracker Barrel next to the hotel. We talked and enjoyed a good breakfast. At the time, we didn’t realize that we were going to need all the energy that breakfast gave us.
Our goal was to ride the Creole Trail. We knew it would be a long day, so we decided to hit the interstate to get to the Creole Trail Center. We only got about less than 5 miles when we hit the brakes! The next exit was 2 miles, which ended up being almost 30 minutes. Lonnie knew the area and led through back roads that others on the interstate didn’t know. We crossed over the interstate and could see the blockage. A few minutes later, we were on a clear interstate.
It was 60 miles until the exit for the Creole Trail. It took us less than an hour. Once we exited the interstate, Lonnie needed fuel. I decided to top off “just in case…” We stopped at the Creole Trail Center. Lonnie got a picture and did a little video. I picked up some stickers for the grandkids.
The first leg of the trail was familiar to me. I had ridden this last year on my way to the Tour of Honor site in Cameron. I rode the ferry across the canal, then headed north and got all turned around. But that was last year, this year I had Lonnie leading the way and this wasn’t his first ride on the Creole Trail.
Once we got to the coast, we made the right turn to head to Sabine Pass. This would give me the chance for a picture of the welcome signs for Texas and Louisiana, both with AULDR stickers. Last year I turned left at this intersection. After our pictures, we turned around and headed back toward Cameron.
We passed cattle along the side of the road. At one point, I saw several cows huddled in a corner of the fence. As I got closer, I saw a marsh area near them. Then I noticed the head of the alligator. The cows were just trying to stay away from it. A lot of the marsh puddles had alligators; most I was only able to see the head just above the water line. I did see an alligator floating fully above the water, or many the water wasn’t deep.
After crossing the canal on the ferry, we headed toward the town of Lake Charles. With the delay of the traffic on the interstate, waiting for the ferry, and many roads which had one lane closed, we were running a couple of hours behind schedule. Lonnie suggested lunch at an Irish Pub that he frequented. It was the Irish Pub that I had thought about visiting since there was supposed to be a hotel nearby. The pub was fantastic; I wasn’t sure about the hotel and the rest of the area.
Since it was after 4pm, I asked if we were going to just head back or going to finish the Creole Trail. Lonnie said he would be remis if he didn’t take me through “The Marsh.” We topped off the tanks and were on our way. I am glad that he decided to finish the Creole Trail. I would have finished it tomorrow, but it would have been different. It was great to have him leading me on this trip.
As we got closer to Lafayette, the sun was starting to set. I was excited to try out the lights. I knew that the aiming was a little off, so I had adjusted them a little. I liked the results, though I do want to get them aimed again at a longer distance. The results tonight was that the low beams did get a little more power after dark. This was great since it shed a lot more light on the ground directly in front of me. That alone made the lights worth the purchase. When I hit the high beams, it seemed like I was lighting up the next couple of blocks! I didn’t leave the lights on high very long since there was traffic in front of me that probably would not appreciate the blinding lights.
I missed the free drinks and supper at the hotel by 5 minutes! Luckily, I had only eaten half of my sandwich at lunch, so I brought the second half back to the hotel. I didn’t go hungry. The bar was closed, but I could get a coke.
I have my route planned for tomorrow. Though I could take two days to get home, I am ready to get home. This is a WANT to get home, not due to anxiety. Also, I haven’t had a chance to try to plan a route for two days to get home. I would much ready get home to be with MaryJo.
I also go the additional points for the AULDR challenge posted on Facebook. I may try to work on the website on Saturday once I am back home. I don’t like to post on my profile or on the website that I am traveling; I will post when I get back about where I have been. I didn’t get a lot of pictures this trip, so I need to start taking the Nikon and tripod. With the bag that I am using, I have space in the saddle bag for the camera and tripod.
Time for bed.
February 28th
Spotwalla link for today’s ride is: HERE
Morning ponderings.
I enjoy eating alone when I travel, it doesn’t bother me. I will spent time people watching. I try to be inconspicuous when I bless my food. I don’t always do that, but I try. Paul said to pray unceasingly, so I try.
I try to start my day reading the Bible. I think that, no matter what a person’s religious beliefs are, reading a chapter in Proverbs is a great way to start the day. I have friends who are Christian, various denominations. I have friends who are Jewish. I have friends who are Muslim. Proverbs pre-dates two of these religions. Proverbs is a neat book for several reasons, but one makes it super easy to read, there are 30 or 31 total days in a month (except February, but stay with me). Proverbs has 31 chapters. You can read the entire book of Proverbs easily in a month. The sayings have a lot of meaning and make sense, so I try to read one chapter a day. When I get to the next month, I start over again. Months that don’t have 31 days, I will read the extra chapter(s) on the last day. Today it the 28th of February, so I will read four chapters.
Being a Christian, I try to also read a little in the New Testament. This helps me to strengthen my own faith. I like to read one chapter daily in the New Testament. It gives me time to read the notes, cross reference things, and take it in slowly. I will sometimes read a chapter multiple times, using a different translation. This will often give me differing perspectives.
I had a thought last night/early this morning. I woke and couldn’t get back to sleep. It wasn’t from anxiety or that something was bothering me, it was because I had thoughts going through my head. Hence, I am doing a morning section of today’s ramblings.
My thought was about our political system and the course of our government. It is funny how each party views the other as “evil.” Yet, they often do the same thing the other has done. “But this time it is different.” Yeah, right. It would be a shame if they tried to work together. There are things that each party does that I don’t like, and there are some that the differing parties do that I do like. A compromise might be in the best interest for the entire country.
I think that the one thing that both parties can agree with is that politicians are corrupt. However, they differ that it is the other party that is corrupt, not theirs.
I think that the news organization enjoy creating and enlarging the wedge between people. It gives them something to talk about. I miss Walter Cronkite and the news anchors before CNN. They just told you want happened and didn’t try to tell you whether you should like it or not.
Oh well, this wasn’t much of a rambling as much as it was a rant. The ride today has me heading toward home. I’ll know tonight if I stop along the way or if I just go home. I am ready to go home, not due to any fears or anxieties. I have had several days on the road and have had a great time. Met some great people and saw so wonderful sites. I just want to get home to sleep in my own bed!
A few hours later…
Time for the evening submission. I am laying in my own bed with the laptop on a lap-desk on my lap.
As I was about to leave, I called home. MaryJo asked if I knew my plans yet; I said that I didn’t. I told her she could probably figure out my plans about noon as she would be able to see where I was and determine if heading home was the goal. We talked for a few minutes and she said it would be a nice surprise if I came home today. Okay, that was all the encouragement that I needed. I pretty much knew the route, but I did want to stop by the local Harley shop before leaving.
The bike was loaded and I was rolling toward Cajun Harley Davidson. I got my picture in front of the sign and did the online check-in for Harley points. I didn’t see a sign, but they were closed at 9am. A few people started pulling in then heading to the back of the building. (Note: at home this evening I checked, they open at 9:30am.)
I left as was going to top off the tank before hitting the interstate. As I pulled up to the pump, I saw the prices! It was $1.50 more per gallon than any place I have stopped on this entire trip. I have over a half tank; I could make it to Baton Rouge without a problem.
I hit the interstate and set the cruise. Traffic was flowing without any problems. Then I saw the bridge into Baton Rouge. A nice high bridge. With all lanes stopped! The flow of the interstate is a “cluster fuck” of epic proportions. As you leave the bridge, one lane becomes two lanes and flows into I-110. The other two lanes merge into a single lane as you make a sharp right turn. That one lanes becomes the exit lane less than a half mile away while you have to merge to the left onto the traffic coming from I-110. That was the first of two exciting traffic events for me.
I was finally on my way out of Baton Rouge. I recalled a billboard that I saw a few years ago. The City Council and Mayor, much like in Memphis, felt that the Police and Fire Departments were overpaid and that their retirement plans were too nice. The solution? The Police and Fire retirement plans were used to give the Mayor and City Council raises. Any shortfalls were then resolved by reducing the pay of the Police and Fire. At the same time, the city prosecutor wasn’t prosecuting criminals. I don’t recall the exact words, but it laid that out in polite terms and said “Welcome to Baton Rouge, Proceed at Your Own Risk.” I didn’t see that billboard today.
Once out of Baton Rouge, I was on I-12 which reconnects with I-10 after it goes through New Orleans. As I was nearing the I-55 interchange, a truck passed me then got in front of me in my lane. Then hit the brakes! I had glanced over at a F4 Phantom on display and looked up just as hit brakes lights came on. A quick check to my left and I changed lanes and was ready to slow down. Why did he hit the brakes? Traffic was stopped just ahead. No signs to forewarn, and we saw the traffic stopped as we topped the hill.
About 10 miles in VERY slow traffic where the three lanes merged into two. As we were all merged into two lanes, I saw the reason for the slowdown. People were looking at the car that didn’t believe that the far-left lane had to merge to the right. He was about a quarter mile up the road in the median, with almost all of his time in the dirt leaving huge ruts. It didn’t look like the car had rolled, but it looked like it had been dipped in a mud puddle.
As traffic started to move, the rest of my time on the interstate was incident free. I soon turned onto I-59 and was heading toward Mississippi. No Welcome Center or even a sign saying that you were now in Mississippi. I still need one more sign for Mississippi.
North on I-59 until I got to Meridian where I-59 joined I-20. As I neared Tuscaloosa, I was making great time, but I saw a “Road Work Ahead” sign and red lights in the distance. Though there was work planned on the these lanes, the work was currently active for the lanes in the opposite direction causing them to only have a single lane. I got to my exit for I-359 into Tuscaloosa.
Then I-359 ended and became a city street, at rush hour, on Friday. I got lucky and hit the light as it turned green. Staying at the speed limit, I was able to time all the lights green until I got to US-43. That light took a while. I only had about a mile to make the right turn and I would be on my way out of town.
Other than a stop light where the three lanes heading north become two left turn lanes and one lane for right turns and going straight (with almost all of the traffic going straight), I was able to keep close to the speed limit for a while.
At Natural Bridge, I got behind a diesel pickup truck with a trailer. He was able to do the speed limit, but he enjoyed revving the engine, which led to an awful diesel smoke and smell. I could stay back and it wasn’t as bad. There were so few places to pass, and he was doing the speed limit. At Haleyville, a car pulled in front of him which wasn’t interested in doing the speed limit. Those 15 miles took 30 minutes. So much for beating the GPS time. I watched the time keep getting later to get home.
Finally, after Phil Campbell, the road went from two-lane to a divided four-lane. There were several cars that wanted to get past that front car. I was still behind the diesel pickup. The road opened up, and the truck accelerated. I just followed the black cloud, no other option. As I finally got around the others and was ready to pass the pickup, he speeds up to over 80. I keep up with him. Suddenly, he slows down. He is ready to turn off the highway.
Fresh air and a few miles of open road. Okay, about a mile of open road. I get into Russellville. Light traffic, but I manage to make my way though it. Through Littleville at 65mph. I see their lone police car as I am about to leave town. I miss my turn to go the back road to the Love’s station and Wilson Dam Road, so I go the normal way.
When I left this morning, the GPS said I should be at the Circle K at 5:30pm. Though I was able to get it down to 5:00pm for a few minutes, I pulled into the parking lot at 5:30pm. I called MaryJo to let her know I was home. I got my receipt for my mileage and headed home.
Beat is a nice way of putting it. But I am glad to be home. The next few days will be busy taking care of things that have been waiting on me and getting ready for my next trip.
As MaryJo finished baking the pizzas, I unloaded and put away the items from my trip. All clothes are in the dirty clothes hamper and I am in clean clothes. Blue is following me like he is afraid I will leave him again. He had coming running into the garage while I was still parking the bike. He will usually wait until I park and get off the bike before coming out.
8:30 and I am ready for bed! I will finish the book I am reading (The Journey to Me by Annette Birkmann) then head to bed.